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Maries County, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on November 1, 2023

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Maries County, MO

Sexual misconduct lawyer in Maries County, MO. If you find yourself under arrest or confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct in Maries County or any other location within Missouri, the last thing you need is a defense attorney who approaches your case with judgmental attitudes or suspicious glances. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully comprehend that every situation has multiple facets, and we acknowledge the emotional and financial hardships that accompany facing a sexual misconduct charge in Maries County, MOIf you have been arrested or are facing charges for sexual misconduct in Maries County or anywhere else in Missouri, the last thing you want is judgment or sideways glances from your own lawyer. At Combs Waterkotte, we fully understand that there is always more than one side of the story and we recognize the emotional and financial burden of defending a sexual misconduct charge in Maries County, MO.

Time is of the essence. Our staff of well-informed attorneys specializing in sexual misconduct in Maries County, MO is wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding your rights and mounting a vigorous defense on your behalf. With our substantial experience and abundant network, we are fully equipped to pursue the most favorable resolution for your case.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Our Maries County, MO sex crimes attorney can meet with you virtually or in-person for a free, no-obligation consultation to speak about the specifics of your case and offer expert legal advice.

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Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Maries County, MO | Maries County, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

What is Considered Sexual Misconduct Under Missouri Law?

Sexual misconduct occurs when an individual engages in conduct that involves exposing themselves in a manner and in circumstances likely to provoke shock, offense, or alarm, or when individuals engage in sexual intercourse in public. There are three specific charges that a person accused of sexual misconduct can face in Maries County and elsewhere in Missouri, including:

Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree

According to the provisions outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093, a person may face charges of first-degree sexual misconduct if they:

  • Expose their genitals under circumstances in which they know their conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
  • Have sexual contact in the presence of a third person or persons under circumstances where they know that such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
  • Have sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in a public place in the presence of a third person

For a first offense, first-degree sexual misconduct is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a potential jail term of up to 6 months and a fine not exceeding $1,000. In the case of a second conviction, it elevates to a class A misdemeanor, which could mean up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Second-Degree Sexual Misconduct

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095, sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined as soliciting or requesting another person to engage in sexual conduct knowing that it is likely to cause affront or alarm. This is a class C misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to 15 days in jail and a fine of no more than $500.

Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child

This stands as the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083, an individual is charged with sexual misconduct involving a child if they:

  • Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age under circumstances in which they know that the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the child
  • Knowingly expose their genitals to a child less than 15 years of age for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
  • Knowingly coerce or induce a child less than 15 years of age to expose the child’s genitals for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child
  • Knowingly coerce or induce a child who they know to be less than 15 years of age to expose the breasts of a female child through the Internet or other electronic means for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of anyone, including the child

It is a class E felony for a first-time offender, which carries with it up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. For a repeat offender, it is a class D felony, the punishment for which is up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

There are no mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for any of these charges in Maries County, MO. In addition to imprisonment, alternative sentencing options may be considered, including probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution to the victim. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Maries County, MO, you may be obligated to register as a sex offender. The duration of your registration requirement hinges on factors such as your age and the nature of the offense. Our proficient Maries County, MO attorneys are dedicated to pursuing charge dismissal or reduction to offenses that do not mandate sex offender registration. Moreover, we can explore the possibility of petitioning for your removal from the registry under Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.041.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now if you are facing any of the above allegations in Maries County, MO or contact us online to talk to one of our lawyers about your case.

Your Rights and the Sexual Misconduct Legal Process in Maries County, MO

If you find yourself facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Maries County or anywhere else in Missouri, it is crucial to understand your rights, which encompass the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal counsel. Also, you have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment, due process rights under the 14th Amendment, and protection from self-incrimination as stipulated in the Fifth Amendment.

Our sexual misconduct defense attorneys in Maries County, MO can help walk you through the intricate and often lengthy legal process, which typical encompasses:

  • Investigation
  • Evidence gathering
  • Pre-trial motions
  • Possible plea negotiations
  • Trial, if necessary

Your Combs Waterkotte Maries County, MO sexual misconduct attorney will accompany you through each stage, making sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the best possible legal representation and outcome. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

How a Maries County, MO Sexual Misconduct Attorney From Combs Waterkotte Can Help

Even allegations of sexual misconduct can be life-altering in Maries County, MO. However, with the right legal representation, you can navigate the legal complexities and work toward a favorable outcome. Consulting with a skilled Maries County, MO criminal defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, especially one who specializes in sexual misconduct cases, is your best course of action to protect your rights and construct a strong defense. Our Maries County, MO attorneys will:

  • Listen to your side of the story
  • Initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the details of your case
  • Review the evidence and the methods used to gather it
  • Assess the potential violations of your rights
  • Examine witness reliability
  • Search for any inconsistencies in the accuser’s account
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or even dismissed
  • Defend you at trial if we have to, and challenge the jury on whether or not the prosecution has proven your charges beyond a reasonable doubt

Our experienced legal team ensures that the citizens of Maries County, MO receive fair, effective legal presentation in any situation. Along with sexual misconduct defense in Maries County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, including:

Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Maries County, MO | Sex Crimes Attorney in Maries County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

The Importance of Legal Representation in a Sexual Misconduct Case in Maries County, MO

Regrettably, it’s a stark reality in our society that when confronted with accusations of sexual misconduct, a considerable number of individuals are inclined to pass swift and definitive judgment, frequently presuming complete culpability. The Maries County, MO legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte understand this hardship, and we are committed to mitigating the potential consequences that these accusations may cast upon you, your professional life, and your family. It is important to emphasize that our entire legal system operates on the premise that individuals accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.

When facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Maries County or elsewhere throughout Missouri, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online. Here’s why it is of utmost importance to, at the very least, have a conversation with one of our specialized attorneys in this field:

  • Legal Proficiency: Cases involving sexual misconduct are inherently complex from a legal standpoint, regardless of the jurisdiction within Maries County or Missouri. The potential ramifications of a conviction can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, contingent on the aforementioned circumstances. Our determined defense lawyers in Maries County, MO possess the profound legal knowledge and experience necessary to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
  • Protection of Your Rights: Your Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct attorney in Maries County, MO will work tirelessly to safeguard your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal proceedings. This encompasses the assurance that any evidence obtained against you is admissible and that your rights against self-incrimination are respected.
  • Constructing a Strong Defense: Our Maries County, MO criminal defense lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you, amass pertinent evidence, and build a robust and impermeable defense strategy. There is always more than one side of the story, and, depending on the specifics of your Maries County, MO case, we may question the credibility of your accuser or challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor.
  • Negotiating Expertise: In some situations, your Maries County, MO Combs Waterkotte attorney possesses the adeptness to engage in negotiations aimed at securing a plea arrangement that mitigates the charges or penalties you are confronted with, and in some instances, even leading to complete dismissal of the case. It is paramount to underscore that the ultimate decision always rests with you; nonetheless, all our legal counsel is grounded in our genuine belief of what serves your best interests.
  • Litigation Proficiency: In the event that your case proceeds to trial in Maries County, MO, our sexual misconduct attorney will articulately present your case, deftly cross-examine witnesses, and steadfastly labor to secure a favorable verdict.

Contact a Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Maries County, MO Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

Irrespective of the character or gravity of the allegations against you in Maries County, MO, Combs Waterkotte was established with the mission of providing support to good individuals caught in bad situations. We firmly maintain that you are entitled to a proficient and unwavering defense team as you confront criminal charges, be it in Maries County or elsewhere in Missouri.

Call a Combs Waterkotte sexual misconduct defense attorney in Maries County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case review.

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